Instagram algorithms promote sexualized content of children

A recent investigation by the Wall Street Journal found that Instagram's algorithm is recommending content that sexualizes children. Test accounts created by the journalists, which followed preteen and teenage gymnast cheerleaders, received suggestions of risque footage of children. The Canadian Center for Child Protection conducted similar tests and obtained similar results. Even when these test accounts followed other adult users who followed preteen influencers, the suggested content became more explicit. Major brands like Disney, Pizza Hut, and Walmart had their ads run alongside these videos, unintentionally supporting child exploitation.